Hey there, amazing mompreneur! As I write this blog post we’re just 1 week away from summer break here, so I’m digging deep to make this break my most productive AND fun yet. I’m stoked to help you steer your way through the whirlpool of school breaks too. We all know the drill: when school’s out, our perfectly orchestrated schedules can seem like they’re tumbling like a waterfall, but fear not! I’m here to help you turn the chaos into a smooth sailing adventure. Let’s dive in!
1. Strategic Scheduling is Your Best Friend
When school breaks hit, your usual work schedule might be as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. But remember, mompreneur, you’re a master of strategic planning! Start by creating a flexible schedule for your kids that includes fun activities, quiet time, and learning opportunities. This way, you’ll be able to earmark chunks of time for your work, and keep the kiddos engaged and happy.
Here’s a sample schedule you may modify during a school break:
**6:00 am – 7:00 am: Personal Time**
Wake up early to enjoy a quiet hour for personal activities such as meditation, reading, exercise, or planning the day.
**7:00 am – 8:00 am: Family Time**
Prepare and enjoy breakfast with the kids. This is also a good time to discuss the plan for the day and divide responsibilities among the kids if they’re old enough.
**8:00 am – 10:00 am: Deep Work**
As the kids engage in independent play or screen time, take these two hours for work that requires the most concentration.
**10:00 am – 10:30 am: Break Time**
Spend some time with the kids. Maybe have a snack, chat, or do a quick activity together.
**10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Work Time**
Get back to work, perhaps scheduling calls or meetings during this period when you’re warmed up but not too tired.
**12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch**
Prepare and have lunch with the kids. Encourage conversation and bonding during meal times.
**1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Relaxing Time**
Have the kids engage in quiet activities like reading or drawing while you continue with work.
**3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Break Time**
Take a break, have a snack with the kids, and maybe do a short physical activity to get everyone moving.
**3:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Family Activity**
Plan a fun family activity. Could be an outing, a craft project, or a movie. This gives the kids something to look forward to and helps break up the day.
**5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Dinner Preparation and Meal**
Cook dinner together as a family and enjoy the meal.
**7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Wind Down Time**
Help kids with their nighttime routine – bath, books, and bedtime.
**8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Work/Personal Time**
Depending on your workload, use this time to wrap up any outstanding work or indulge in personal activities like reading, relaxing, or spending time with your partner.
Remember, this is just a sample schedule. Your actual schedule fwill depend on the age of your kiddos, business commitments, and personal preferences. The key is to find a balance between work and family activities and be flexible to adapt as required. Truth be told, I front load a whole bunch of work leading up to their school break, then work half-days during the break. Make it work for you!
2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Family is a team sport, so why not get everyone involved? Delegate age-appropriate chores to your kids, which not only teaches them responsibility, but also frees up some of your time. Don’t forget to lean on your partner, too. Share the responsibilities and work as a power duo to ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. Build Your Village
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and they’re not wrong! Reach out to other parents in your community and arrange playdates, sleepovers, or shared child-care days. This way, you can ensure your children are having fun and socializing while you’re powering through your to-do list.
4. Embrace Your Superpower of Flexibility
Mompreneurs, we’re nothing if not adaptable. Embrace your innate flexibility and use it to your advantage during school breaks. You might need to adjust your work schedule, respond to last-minute changes, or juggle multiple tasks at once. The key is to stay calm, take a deep breath (or 6), and remember that you’re a master of adaptation. Your ability to go with the flow and adapt to change is one of your greatest strengths, so don’t be afraid to use it during these unpredictable times.
5. Make Time for Fun
Yep, you read that right! In the midst of all the scheduling, planning, and juggling, don’t forget to carve out some time for fun. Whether it’s a family movie night, a picnic in the park, or an afternoon at the beach, these moments of joy are the fuel that keeps you going.
Remember, school breaks don’t have to feel like you’re swimming against the current. With strategic planning, a supportive community, and a healthy dose of flexibility, you can navigate these waters like the confident and empowered mompreneur you are.
Keep shining, keep growing, and keep showing the world that mompreneurs are unstoppable forces of nature! 💪🌸
P.S. Don’t forget about your self-care. Sign up for my 21-days of self-care for self-confidence